Vellore :

Why is genetic diversity important for the survival of organism? This was one of the themes that was discussed at a three-day workshop on ‘Genetic diversity, molecular evolution and genomics’ held by the VIT University recently.

Professor S S Khora, Dean in-charge, School of Bio Science and Technology, VIT University said, the last few decades had seen rapid progress in understanding diversity at the molecular-level, thanks to the development of range of molecular tools. These tools had allowed scientists measure genetic diversity at various levels of population and address broad issues related to molecular evolution. Several laboratories in the country including VIT University were engaged in research in these areas, he pointed out. Professor R Uma Shanker from the University of Agricultural Science, Bengaluru, who was the convenor of the workshop, discussed a topic related to forest genetic resources. Dr G Ravikanth from ATREE, Bengaluru, delivered a lecture on DNA bar-coding.

Topics such as ‘Genomic tools in genetic diversity’ by Dr Nataraj Karaba, USA, ‘Molecular Evolution’ by Dr H A Ranganath and ‘Comparative Genomics’ by Dr R Siva of VIT University evoked good response.

The workshop provided an opportunity to students to get a hands-on feel of some of the software used in population genetics.

Around 200 students, research scholars and faculty members from in and around Vellore were present at the workshop, sponsored by the Indian Academy of Science, Indian National Science Academy and National Academy of Science.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / August 20th, 2014